Comfort Measures

Comfort Measures Sleep, Comfort and Rest

Why do we need rest and sleep? 1. 2.

Rest and sleep are fundamental components of wellbeing. All individuals require certain periods of calm and lesser activity so that their bodies can regain energy and rebuild stamina.

REST • Rest refers to a state of relaxation and calmness, both mental and physical.

SLEEP a)

b) c)

Sleep refers to a state of altered consciousness during which an individual experiences minimal physical activity and a general slowing of the body’s physiological processes. Sleep generally occurs in a periodic cycle and usually lasts for several hours at a time. Sleep is necessary for physiological and psychological healing to occur.

Factors Affecting Rest & Sleep

1. Degree of Comfort • Whenever basic needs are unmet, the person experiences discomfort which leads to physiological tension, anxiety, and potential impairments in sleep / rest.

1. Anxiety • A restless body and mind interfere with the ability to sleep. • Anxiety often results in difficulty in falling or staying sleep.

1. Environment • Environmental factors can either enhance or impair sleep. • Lighting, temperature, odors, ventilation, and noise level can all interrupt the sleep process.

1. Lifestyle • A fast-paced life filled with multiple stressors can result in the person’s inability to relax easily or to fall asleep quickly.

1. Lifestyle • Another lifestyle factor that interferes with sleep is having a work schedule that does not coincide with an individual’s biological clock.

1. Diet • The type of food consumed has an impact on the quality and quantity of sleep.

1. Diet • Foods high in caffeine serve as stimulants. • Consuming a large, heavy, spicy meal before bedtime may cause indigestion, which will likely interfere with sleep.

1. Diet • Going to bed hungry can also result in sleep problems because the individual may be preoccupied with food and hunger pangs instead of concentrating on sleep.

1. Drugs & Other Substances • Alcohol and nicotine use can impair sleep. • Small amounts of alcohol can make some people fall asleep, in others alcohol may interfere with sleep.

1. Drugs & Other Substances • Nicotine, a stimulant, can also interfere sleep cycle by stimulating the body, resulting in difficulty in falling and staying asleep.

1. Drugs & Other Substances • Many medications cause fatigue, sleepiness, restlessness, agitation, insomia, affecting the quality and quantity of rest and sleep.

Illness or Hospitalization

Illness or Hospitalization • The stress imposed by illness usually disrupts sleep. • Sleep is especially disrupted when a person is hospitalized.

Factors Associated w/ Hospitalization that lead to sleep impairment: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.

Physical or emotional pain Loss of familiar surroundings Loss of routine Fear of the unknown Timing of procedures or treatment Noise level (especially unfamiliar noises) Loss of privacy

Comfort Needs

Physical Comfort Needs • Physical comfort needs relate to bodily sensations and the physiologic problems associated with the medical diagnosis.

Psychospiritual Comfort Needs • Psychospiritual needs relate to the internal awareness of self, including esteem, concept, sexuality, and meaning to life.

Social Comfort Needs • Social comfort needs relate to the interpersonal, family and social relationships

Environmental Comfort Needs • Environmental comfort needs relate to the external background of human experience that can include light, noise, ambiance, color, temperature.

Comfort Measures

Comfort Measures Comfort measures may be provided both directly to the client and indirectly through other personnel, family or environment.

1. Indirect Actions that promote Comfort • Maintaining a quiet environment • Coordinating activities w/ other staff

• Supporting the client’s family members or significant others.

1. Comfort care may require simple actions... • Providing a warm blanket • Offering a cup of tea • Applying lotion to dry skin

1. Comfort measures also encompasses the client’s psychospiritual, social & environmental realms.

• Talking in soothing tones • Acknowledging client’s feelings • Offering your presence

1. Create a Relaxing Environment • Arranging the immediate surroundings to promote sleep • A place of sleep should be inviting and relaxing

1. Initiate Relaxation Techniques • • • •

Yoga Deep breathing Music Therapy Back massage

1. Ensure Appropriate Nutrition • Drinking milk promotes sleep • Restrict a heavy meal close to bedtime • Refraining from eating spicy or other foods that cause G.I. Distress • Avoiding caffeine in the afternoon

1. Initiate Pharmacologic Interventions • If unrelieved pain is a factor in the client’s sleep disturbance, pain management should be the focus of initial interventions. • Some medications are also prescribed to patient’s to help them sleep.

8. Provide Educaiton • Educating the person on sleep-promoting activities. • Ask the person to help themselves for relaxation & gaining confidence that they can successfully meet their sleep and rest needs.

The End